A DEBUT hattrick for Jenna Markham got Cherries off to a flying start in the National League Division One South West.

AFC Bournemouth beat Bristol Rovers 5-0 thanks to goals from Ellie Strippel and Gemma McGuiness, alongside Markham’s rapid 19-minute hattrick.

It took Cherries just five minutes to open the scoring, with debutant Strippel finishing well into the bottom corner past ‘keeper George Hunt.

The hosts sought a quick response, as Nia Rees lifted a shot above the cross bar.

But Strippel then turned provider 18 minutes in as she set up McGuinness for the club’s second goal against the Division One South West newcomers.

The former Swindon Town attacking midfielder picked out the winger at the far post, who clipped the ball into the back of the net.

Fellow new recruit Markham had her name on the scoresheet on 34 minutes, outjumping the Rovers defence to head home, with the away side entering the interval 3-0 to the good.

Markham added her second of the afternoon four minutes into the second half.

Katie James picked out Alisha Buckingham on the right, before her cross was met by the striker’s head.

It was just four minutes before Markham completed her debut hattrick, getting ahead of her marker to meet a cross from McGuinness for her third headed goal.

She had not scored a headed goal in three years but completed a hattrick of headers in her first game since joining the Cherries from Exeter City this month.

Substitute Erin Bloomfield replaced McGuinness with 18 minutes to play, and saw a drive saved at the second attempt by Hunt.

There was a lengthy delay as Cherries ‘keeper Kosinska received treatment after bravely smothering the ball at the feet of Annys Turner, who was booked.

The goalkeeper was unable to continue, with Bloomfield donning the gloves for the remaining minutes.

Cherries were able to see the game out without conceding, making the perfect start to their league campaign as they aim for promotion.

Goal scorer Strippel told afcb.co.uk after the game: “I was over the moon with it. I shouted to KJ ‘just roll it’ and I tucked it away nicely in the corner, so I was really happy.

“My family were here, my sister, brother, my nieces and a few of my mates as well. It was a nice little season opener not too far from home.

“When I scored, I ran over to the corner, looked up and they were all on their feet. I could hear them the whole way through the game, which was nice.

“They have supported me the whole way through my career. To give back to them and produce on the pitch is what it’s all about.”

Up next, Cherries host Worthing on Sunday, August 25.